Residence "Bells Terrace"

B Listed - Regional Significance

[Updated information informally provided: The original dwellings on the site were demolished in 1889 and replaced with the existing two storey terrace to a design by Joseph Watts (Geelong Advertiser, 22 October 1889). The original dwellings were bluestone cottages (Geelong Advertiser 1 May 1890). The terraces were built by J.C. Taylor.]

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Bell's Terrace, a two storey row of four houses, were erected prior to 1864 as conservative classical styled premises fronting Pevensey Crescent. The proprietor, William Bell, pioneer pastoralist and Geelong businessman, erected the largest double fronted house as his own residence with the tree southern houses being an investment. The cast iron balcony verandah was added in 1871-72 from designs by Joseph Watts, Architect. The lower level facade is faced with half coursed basalt and the restrained parapet entablature is surmounted by dual raised tympana. This terrace form is unusual in Geelong, although the integrity has been impaired by unsympathetic alterations.

REFERENCES

Investigator Vol. 9, No. 3 - September 1974, pp 79, 80 details of career of William Bel.

Brownhill, WR - A History of Geelong and Corio Bay, Wilke and Co., Melbourne, 1955 pp 335-336, 396, 625.

Geelong Advertister - 8 October 1864. Tenders for alterations and additions to Bell's Cottages (proprietor William Bell) and proprietor's house.

7 December 1871 - tenders for supply and erection of verandahs to cottages Pevensey Crescent for Willaim Bell Esq. Joseph Watts, Architect.

A search of the City of Geelong rate books 1860-1880 may reveal data to indicate if this terrace was erected firstly as a single storey row, with the upper storey and cast iron balcony verandah being added in 1871-72.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House